I’ve actually done an entirely open review [for Faculty of 1000] and I found the whole experience rather jarring; I wouldn’t have done it if I didn’t already like the software in question, and I think that could be unethical. Scott’s a nice guy and a good scientist; I’m not certain I would have been viewed very favourably being one of the first people to criticise the work of another in the open, despite the fact I think such a system has a number of benefits.

I do think reviewers should be disclosed on publication in order to get credit for their job, but also to take responsibility of it. In general, I also think signing makes the process more transparent and helps engage in a constructive conversation.

There are some excellent points made on both sides, and I recommend reading the whole compilation of views for and against anonymity.◼

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Opinions expressed on Denim and Tweed are my own, and not those of my employer, my collaborators, or any agency or entity providing me with research funding. Material posted on Denim and Tweed is licensed under a Creative Commons License unless otherwise indicated. You may freely use any of the original material on the site for non-commercial purposes, provided you credit Denim and Tweed and/or Jeremy Yoder (preferably with a hyperlink to the original) and allow others to use the material as well.